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AAA 100% Analogue This LP was Remastered using Pure Analogue Components Only from the Master Tapes through to the Cutting Head

ORG - ORG116 - 180 Gram Virgin Vinyl - AAA 100% Analogue - Verve MGV-8318

Numbered 2,500 Limited Edition - Mastered By Bernie Grundman - Pressed at RTI

As with all these 45 rpm audiophile vinyls, is the high cost worth it? If you have a high-end turntable and the music is on your “can’t miss” list, Yes! Sound 5/5 Audaud

The concept of two tenor saxophone soloists performing in tandem, an approach that highlighted the contrasting textures of their styles, had its popular origins in the swing era. When the great tenors of that time had the chance to stretch out together in the LP format, the results showed not just how rich and individual soloists' voices were but how deep a mutual affinity they could display.

Behold, then, this end-of-the-decade summit to end all summits: not just Ben Webster and Coleman Hawkins, the two greatest surviving exponents of the tenor saxophone, but a third master, the tragically under-recorded Budd Johnson. The three saxophone masters, joined by the indefatigable Roy Eldridge, stretch out luxuriantly on the marathon "In a Mellow Tone" with spectacular results.

On this 1959 release, we hear Ben Webster with his idol Coleman Hawkins and legends Roy Eldridge (trumpet), Ray Brown (bass), and Jo Jones (drums). Tenor great Budd Johnson also appears here with the only other swing era tenor giant who is missing from this session being the inimitable Lester Young.

This famous release is a celebration of the saxophone and the jam session, which are staples in jazz. These musicians embark on a musical journey that is as exciting as it is adventurous. While the music sticks pretty much within the boundaries of mainstream jazz, it is apparent that these players are all inspired by their surroundings.

Much of the set showcases a  blowing competition between the horns. They sometimes spurn each other on; other times, they act as foil. The result is a batch of tunes (five total) that really swing. Highlights include the intense "Young Bean" and "De-Dar." On the ballad, "Time After Time" Johnson and Coleman sit out, leaving Webster to break our hearts all by himself.

Now in its definitive version on a numbered limited edition 180g 45RPM 2LP pressing mastered from the original analog tapes by Bernie Grundman!

Wow! Look at the front line of saxes!  This early stereo recording happened almost by accident, putting the two oldsters who had really paid their dues together with the youngest of the trio, Budd Johnson, who even had one track named for him. Ben Webster had walked into a grill just off Broadway, and ran into Budd. He told him of the impending date in the studio with Hawkins and said “What are you doing at 2:30 tomorrow?” Johnson had no plans, so Webster said “OK, bring your sax and we’ll all be on the date together.”

This tenor summit took place in 1959, a very short while after the death of Lester Young. Ben Webster is joined by Coleman Hawkins and Budd Johnson, two of the remaining tenor greats of the time. Roy Eldridge is also along for the ride. The rhythm section consists of pianist Jimmy Jones, guitarist Les Spann, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Jo Jones. Except for the up-tempo numbers 'De-Dar' and 'Young Bean,' the mood is as bluesy and laid-back as can be. A 20-minute 'In a Mellow Tone' leads off the record, and interestingly enough, Brown, Jones, and Spann all solo before the first tenor giant, Johnson, takes his turn. Webster doesn't solo until nearly sixteen minutes in. In fact, he solos last on four of the five tracks. But when you're Ben Webster, what's the hurry?

Musicians:
Ben Webster, tenor saxophone
Coleman Hawkins, tenor saxophone
Budd Johnson, tenor saxophone
Roy Eldridge, trumpet
Jimmy Jones, piano
Les Spann, guitar
Ray Brown, bass
Jo Jones, drums

Ben Webster Ben Webster And Associates

1. In a Mellow Tone
2. Young Bean
3. Budd Johnson
4. Time After Time
5. De-Dar

 RTI 180 HQ Vinyl

Record Technology is a world class record pressing plant located in Camarillo, California. We have been operating since 1974, pressing for most audiophile record labels and for many quality minded independent and major record labels from around the world.